Wedding save the date: when, what and how
A save the date tells your guests early on to keep the day free — long before the invitation arrives. Here you'll find when to send it, what to include and how to do it digitally, without a printer or postage.
When do you send save the dates?
Six to twelve months before the wedding is usual. The further your guests have to travel and the more sought-after the date — summer, school holidays, bank holidays, long weekends — the earlier. For a wedding abroad, it is best to allow twelve months. The invitation with all the details follows later, usually a few months before the celebration.
What goes on a save the date?
- Your names
- The wedding date
- The place — the town or region is enough
- A note that the invitation will follow
- If you like: a photo of the two of you and a link where there will be more later
That's all you need. Times, schedule, dress code and directions belong in the invitation — on the save the date they would only go out of date.
Who gets a save the date?
Only people who will also be invited. A save the date is a promise: whoever receives one expects an invitation. If your guest list isn't settled yet, it is better to wait until you know who you want to invite.
Paper or digital?
| Paper card | Digital via link | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Printing and postage per guest | Free |
| Effort | Design, print, collect addresses, post | Enter names, date and place, share the link |
| Delivery time | Days to weeks | Instantly |
| Changes | New card needed | Update at any time |
| Calendar entry | By hand | With one click |
| Replies | By phone or message | Yes or no directly on the page |
A paper card is a lovely keepsake, especially for older guests. Many couples combine both: digital for everyone, and a card for those who don't use a messenger.
How to send a digital save the date
- 1 Enter your names, the date, the place and a line for your guests.
- 2 Share the link on WhatsApp, in the family group or by email — a preview image with your names and the date appears in the chat.
- 3 Your guests see the countdown and add the day to their calendar with one click.
- 4 Later, you post news with photos, and your guests say yes or no directly on the page.
What the weddingphotos.live save the date page can do
- A page of your own with your names, date, place and countdown — not the upload page, which only comes with the celebration
- Calendar entry for Apple, Google and Outlook
- Timeline: news with photos as a collage, which guests can like, comment on and share
- RSVPs with name, number of people and optional email — added to your guest list with one click
- News by email for guests who want it — with confirmation and an unsubscribe link in every email
- Free and without a stream; only reachable via the link and not listed in search engines
Common questions
How long before the wedding do you send save the dates?
Six to twelve months before. For a wedding abroad, in the school holidays or on a bank holiday, closer to twelve months.
Is a digital save the date rude?
No. For most guests, a link in a chat is the normal way these days, and the calendar entry comes with it. Anyone who doesn't use a messenger gets a card or a phone call.
Do you have to reply to a save the date?
No. A firm yes or no belongs to the invitation. Anyone who wants to let you know early can still do so on the save the date page.
How much does the save the date from weddingphotos.live cost?
Nothing. It belongs to your account and doesn't need a stream.